Think of a great leader, leadership team or experience. A person, group or moment where you strongly noticed or felt the influence and impact of leadership. What made the difference?I don't believe in the cult of the perfect leader, the person who lives and demonstrates perfect leadership qualities at all times and in all circumstances - except of course, God.Nevertheless, I do know when I experience or exercise leadership. I have an intuitive sense that I'm being something, doing something, experiencing something that feels both 'me' and 'beyond me'.I've noticed these moments most profoundly when certain qualities emerge at the same time. It's a kind of synergy that, in a particular moment and context, ignites a spark and something emerges:*Identity. The intrinsic me. A sense of who I am, who I am in God, what I believe about myself, what others recognise in me, what my talents are, what I base my confidence in.*Initiative. Personal proactivity. A sense of my own power, personal leadership, a willingness to be the first to step out and take a risk, a preparedness to take responsibility for action.*Inspiration. How I motivate others. A sense of vision, imagination, a compelling idea, a grasp of opportunities and possibilities, an ability to help others believe in themselves, to release potential.*Intuition. Deep insight. A sense of what's important, an awareness of my own feelings, an ability to tune into what isn't being said, an ability to notice and discern 'what's really going on here.'*Influence. Inspiring others to follow. An awareness of what matters most to others, a commitment to role modelling, an ability to communicate, negotiate, convince and persuade.*Inclusion. Valuing others' contribution. A sense of awareness of my own limitations, a recognition of others' gifts and talents, an ability to involve others and draw out their best.*Intimacy. How I relate to others. A sense of empathy, a willingness to challenge and support, a preparedness to stand alongside others through good times and bad.*Integrity. My values and behaviour. A sense of conscience, a moral compass, a determined commitment to ethical practice, a clear sense of parameters and boundaries.*Innovation. Seeing and doing things differently. A sense of creativity, a willingness to be playful, experiment and take risks, an ability to reframe, to challenge the status quo, to enable paradigm shifts.*Impact. A commitment to action. A sense of purpose, a desire to achieve change, the courage to get involved, a willingness to take decisions, an openness to experiment, evaluate and learn.It's a dynamic combination of these elements that results in the exercise and experience of leadership, whether personal leadership or leadership as a team (where ‘I’ could be converted to ‘we’).So I want to use this list as a checklist before God. How far does my attitude, outlook and approach reflect these qualities? What would it take for me to become more of a leader, more of the time?

Thanks for your encouraging note, Sim. These specific thoughts came to mind during the night when I couldn't sleep! Nick

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Peter Callender

9/5/2012 08:23:22 pm

Nick

Love your 11 qualities. I also like your Linked-In discussion thread.
I notice too that we are connected.
If you decide to get a group going F2F to look more at your 3 questions, please let me know.

The real challenge is that despite all the resources avaialble on Leadership, that there are still lots of organisations that are very poorly led...

Very best,

Peter

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Nick Wright

9/5/2012 11:20:17 pm

Thanks for the encouraging feeback, Peter. Your final comment struck me as very significant: "the real challenge is that despite all the resources available on Leadership, that there are still lots of organisations that are very poorly led..." Why do you think that is? With best wishes. Nick

Well Nick, i was certainly inspired by reading your list. The thing that strikes me is that these are things we can all do. What i like to think of as leading where you are and not waiting for a label to define you as a leader.

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Nick Wright

10/5/2012 05:31:23 pm

Thanks Funmi. Yes, I agree that these qualities aren't limited to those in formal leadership roles. I like your comment, 'leading where you are and not waiting for a label'. That's what I mean by personal leadership - it's about attitude, outlook and approach more than a job title. With best wishes. Nick

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Nick is a freelance coach, trainer and OD consultant specialising in reflective practice.